Alexandra Elaine Adams @alexandra_DBmed Twitter profile | Pikagi

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

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Joined December 2018

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

Sat by child on Tube: “Mum, I want to be a Doctor when I grow up”. She laughed, “But Tim, you won’t be able to hear all the poorly people” So I leant in, pointed to his+my hearing-aids+said “You can be anything you want to be. This is your superpower” #London #anythingispossible

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

2 years

It’s been the toughest, most emotional road, at times facing the very real possibility of having to quit #medicine for good But 2yrs and 2mo on, 17mo bedridden in hospital, I finally, by some miracle, have a second chance to fulfil my Doctor dream I’m going back to med school😭

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

2 years

The Words I Thought I’d Never Say – ‘I’m Going Back To Medical School’

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

To the tea lady I pulled crackers with at Xmas, caterer who bought cupcakes on my birthday, porters who told jokes and took me out for sun, cleaner who shared pet pics and sang songs - thank you. YOU are the ones I remember. I’m grateful. WE are grateful💙 @NHSMillion #UnsungNHS

@NHSMillion

NHS Million

3 years

There are so many unsung heroes across the NHS Caterers, porters, cleaners, security guards, chaplains, secretaries, the list goes on and on Please RT and help us show them all how appreciated they are We’d love to see tweets of support with the hashtag #UnsungNHS too

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

9 months

They said they needed me ‘well’ - but this IS my ‘well’ - as a person with chronic illness whose well baseline is no different to last week, last month, last year. Yet, the med school seem to think that you have to be too sick to use a wheelchair.

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

9 months

Howled tears in a corner for 3hrs, whilst senior staff (who’ve never met me before) decided to stop me sitting my exam based on one piece of info they were given - that I turned up in a wheelchair. I feel discriminated against, my lifelong, stable condition totally misunderstood.

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

9 months

Although the med school was aware I was doing today’s exam whilst an inpatient, when they saw me in my wheelchair they immediately deemed me too unwell - too unwell to sit at a computer for a few hours - just because I was in a wheelchair.

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

9 months

For context, I’m an inpatient, but got the 👍🏻 to do today’s exam on day leave. I’ve done this in prev exams too - my conditions mean frequent hosp stays come part of it. Due to EDS, I often weaken in flares. My wheelchair = independence. That’s why I brought it to today’s exam.

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

9 months

I knew I’d face walls as a disabled medic, but a chronic illness too? Today ended in me not doing an exam (that I was well to do), with no option but to ‘resit’ at a later date - a date that has no guarantee I won’t be in hospital, or a wheelchair, again - because this is my life

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

I said I’d see the world before I lose all sight. Born VI I’ve embraced the sight I do have But I still wasn’t ready for losing it acutely in 1 day To know that all I saw 24hrs ago I’ll never see again hurts Cherish the sights you see. We never know when we’ll wake up without

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

On train. End up sat by teacher, the first person to tell me 12 yrs ago I’d never be a Dr. She refused me a place at the lunchtime ‘Careers’ class, as ‘deafblind kids like me don’t go to uni’ I told her life was good+I was in #medschool . Sweetest payback of my day #pastencounter

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Home. No other caption needed 14 months in hospital, 5x sepsis, 3 trips to ICU, 3 hosps, COVID+, too many surgeries to count, 100s of needles/lines, a fair few attempts to self-discharge, an infinite no. of breakdowns, Xmas, NYE, all family birthdays, Easter, later... I’m HOME

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Yesterday, I was told I have #COVID19 and was moved to a red zone. I feel dreadful but it‘s still a shock as I’ve hardly left my hospital bed in 6 months. Hoping I can get out onto the other side of a better 2021 soon. #GoodBye2020 and #HappyNewYear all 💫

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

I’m a deafblind medic+had my 1st hearing-aids age 2. My family nor I sign-I can’t see to follow+education support wasn’t inclusive. In work I use a wireless stethoscope+kindness is my universal language. But this, THIS, is 100% the best kind of Xmas message. YES @NyleDiMarco ! 🙏🏻

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

This weekend I got sent quite possibly the best ever ‘hug in a box’ ever, straight to the hospital ward. I’m on week 9 now but it’s the little things like this that are keeping me smiling through it all. Weekend. Made. 💙🐻 #bestmedicine #grateful #weekend #bearhug

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

Out in sun, saw an 80yo man crying. He’d lost his wife + dropped his ice-cream on the grass Bought him another, spoke hrs on love, loss, life Ice-cream can be refilled, but the sun won’t last forever, nor will our older gen. Make time for them Their stories can teach us so much

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

I went into hospital the first week of August. It was hot and I was in shorts. 4 months later and it’s so much colder, but today I made it out of the hospital bed for a taste of some December air, wearing this gorgeous new scarf gift from the lovely @yusuf_yousuf . So #grateful

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

1 year

READ THIS. Just had to share this from my IG stories - from a Doctor friend. Beyond words, utterly disrespectful, and absolutely no surprise why so many of us are leaving the profession. This is how the NHS treats our doctors 😡🤦🏻‍♀️ #DoctorsStrike #NHS @BMA_JuniorDocs @TheBMA

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

It’s week10 in hospital + I’m not ashamed to say that it all got to me today. But I’m lucky to be able to play this whilst in @CV_UHB to help find the little joys. I’m scruffy + self-taught but given what the #NHS is going through right now, it just had to be ‘Over the Rainbow’🌈

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

1 year

A few words ahead of this week’s Doctors’ strikes… “If a broken NHS can’t fix broken doctors. then broken doctors can’t fix patients”. A thread…/9 #JuniorDoctorsStrike @BMA_JuniorDocs

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

#DecadeChallenge 10yrs ago I was a 16yo in hosp for 1yr. I was cared for by a #Nurse who lit up every patients’ eyes with laughter + i said “I want to be like her. I want to help my patients smile like she does”. Today, we reunited #BestNurseInTheWorld @NHSMillion #NurseTwitter

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Do you know what? There are some posts that don’t need any explaining This morning I woke up to this👇🏻 For the sake of everyone, I urge you just to read a few of the comments... Only then might you feel as embarrassed as I am for these poor, ill-informed haters...

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

1/3 I knew Medicine was going to be hard I knew Medicine as the UK’s 1st deafblind person was going to be harder But I never imagined being made homeless in the midst of a pandemic Disabled + shielding I now face cutting short medical school, as I can’t afford anywhere to live

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

When the discrimination+workplace bullying I faced as a #medstudent became more frequent on placement, I was advised to start writing it all down, recording the comments. So I did @TheBMA @BMAstudents @TheDA_UK @disableddoctors @bmj_latest @StudentBMJ @medicalwomenuk #MedTwitter

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

1yr ago today my story was shared in pg3 of @thesundaytimes . Many crazy months of interviews, media, speeches + a #TEDTalk followed A LOT has changed in a year, but 1 thing that hasn’t is my determination to become the UK’s 1st deafblind Doctor, despite all setbacks #keepgoing

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

1st post of 2021 + a big thanks for all the love + DMs #COVID19 hit me hard. 2wks later I got #sepsis + septic thrombophlebitis It’s been horrific But hey, I’ve just turned another year older + I’m just so grateful to be here celebrating another birthday Looks like I’m back!🎉

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

The only things these haters have achieved by this are: ☑️ Made themselves look a bit silly ☑️ Wasted their day to write these pointless comments ☑️ Only made me even MORE determined to recover and return to medschool where I’ll qualify as the UK’s first deafblind #Doctor BOOM!

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

The best medicine isn’t always about the drugs. Sometimes it can just be cuddles with your puppy at the hospital entrance So grateful for these moments, and to all the wonderful nurses who helped make this happen 🙏🏻 #medtwitter #NurseTwitter #NHS #puppy

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Day 101. Maybe yesterday wasn’t meant to be, but today I did ALL of tomorrow. They may *just* be small steps, but small steps always lead to big changes 💪🏻 #smallsteps #FridayFeeling #today #tomorrow #recovery #gettingstronger

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

UK’s first deafblind medical student meets the US’ first deafblind Harvard law graduate. Empowered and forever grateful - thank you so much @HabenGirma #empowered #deafblind #idol #inclusion #medicine #law #united #StrongerTogether @computersandlaw #London

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Turned my first corner (quite literally) yesterday, walked the furthest I’ve been in 4.5 months. Seeing the ward Christmas tree was a good marker of how far I got...hoping my next walking milestone will be my Christmas tree at home! 🎄 #turnedacorner

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Our medic household decided to lift spirits with a #COVID19 #handwashing dance routine to #babyshark . Makes isolation a bit more bearable + a cooler alternative to 20 secs of Happy Birthday? Enjoy + stay safe #CoronaVirusUpdates #WashYourHands #medtwitter #MedStudentTwitter #NHS

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

Thank you for having me this morning on @BBCBreakfast live and for sharing this post-interview video on the snippets of being a deafblind doctor in training! What a great end to the first full week of interviews! Now it’s all about tomorrow’s #tedtalk @TEDTalks @TEDxNHS ! 💫

@BBCBreakfast

BBC Breakfast

5 years

👩🏻‍⚕️ @alexandra_DBmed was born deafblind... but that's not going to stop her achieving her dream of becoming a doctor 🙌🏻 #ThursdayThoughts #ThursdayMotivation #DisabilityAwarenessMonth

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

2 years

The Words I Thought I’d Never Say – ‘I’m Going Back To Medical School’

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The Words I Thought I’d Never Say – ‘I’m Going Back To Medical School’

2 years and 2 months later, 17 months spent bedbound in hospital, too much blood, sweat and tears to even comprehend (even in the literal sense – through the 7 bouts of sepsis, multiple surgeries, …

settingsights.co.uk

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

3/3 I never thought I’d have to do this, just so that I can complete my final 2 years of med school. I was reluctant, knowing the horrid times so many are going through right now, but it’s my last option, and I’d be so grateful for anyone who can share:

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Support Alexandra to become UKs 1st Deafblind Doc, organized by Alexandra Adams

My name is Alexandra Adams and I am just 2 years away from completi… Alexandra Adams needs your support for Support Alexandra to become UKs 1st Deafblind Doc

www.gofundme.com

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Meet Alfie, the therapy dog - the best ‘dogtor’ any ‘pawly’ patient could wish for 🐾 I’m now at 4 months in hospital, and despite everything this week has thrown at me, today’s snuggly cuddles and puppy love made it the Best. Day. Ever! 🐶 #therapydog #puppylove #bestmedicine

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

Taxi driver LIED to me the £ on metre (saw white cane) Enlarged fare on phone to show it read £8 NOT £20 TD: “No it’s wrong. You can’t read, you’re blind” Got out, refused to pay >£8 He sped off+shouted “Blind cheat!” STOP taking advantage of VI, we’re not dumb🤦🏻‍♀️ #disabledtravel

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Finally. Got my hands on my good pal’s @DrAmirKhanGP new book. Christmas (2020) couldn’t wait any longer!

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Often, music is the best #medicine During my 14 month stay in hospital, I discovered a piano in both hospitals I was in. It helped save my sanity, distract me from the pain, and pass time. I think ALL hospitals should have pianos for patients + staff to enjoy #TikTok #piano

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Consultant to me (UK’s 1st deafblind med student): C: “Imagine you’re a patient. Would you want a DISABLED doctor treating you? Absolutely not!” (I was then sent home) Me: standing awkwardly in front of all…is it unprofessional to stay or unprofessional to leave? #MedTwitter

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Not even an ICU admission or year-long hospital stay will stop me from getting my #CovidVaccine It may’ve taken since February, but am so glad to finally see more health allowing vaccination of inpatients #DoubleVaccinated #GetVaccinated #COVID19 #ICU

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Meet Mo, my bear-twin, gifted to me to make my new spaghetti junction body feel less daunting. Even came with his own Dr set to remind me that beneath it all I can still be a Doctor some day. Name inspired by an amazing med student who recently cared for me in the ICU #MedTwitter

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

I’ve been quiet as I adapt + accept recent events. For now, my home is the hospital, but nothing was going to stop me surprising my sister + fellow medic on her 21st birthday. Here’s to a lifetime of hospital birthdays! Huge thanks to @CV_UHB A6 for being so kind in organising!🥂

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

This was my #Christmas2020 . I spent it stuck in hospital with family 200 miles away But I’m so #grateful to all @CV_UHB Ward A6 staff for being my replacement family + bringing festive cheer to the ward. 2021’s full bill of health will be my #BestGiftEver

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

2 years

#NeverGiveUp #MedTwitter #nhs

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

Thanks @ITVWales for sharing my story on my journey as a #deafblind #medstudent , the ups, downs, workplace bullying + how people’s ignorance is often the bigger obstacle than the disability itself. We need to strengthen inclusivity + we must never give up #doctor #goals #ITV

@ITVWales

ITV Wales News

5 years

''I had a doctor tell me 'I don't want you touching any of the patients'.'' Alexandra Adams was born deafblind and is pursuing her dream to be a doctor. She says being bullied as a child and as an adult has made her determined to prove people wrong:

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

1/2 At some point, I WILL continue med school and qualify as a Doctor, and it WILL be my greatest achievement in life - a living proof to both myself and others that I CAN be the 1st deafblind #Doctor and that disability is NOT a barrier But there’s also this...

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Told to “go back to piano tuning” as I’m blind, that my Covid story is invalid as I’m deafblind, that I SHOULD HAVE A DNR AS I’M DISABLED?! The hate in this thread is just ?! + beyond anyone who actually uses a brain. It’s also an incredible insult to #disabled people everywhere

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

Today I had to excuse myself as my hearing-aid died + I was totally deaf. I was shouted at + asked what kind of excuse that was - nobody else could get away with such ‘excuse’. Then I was told that hearing-aid wearers like me would never be ‘cut out’ for the job #ignorance #HI

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Today is #WorldSightDay . As a deafblind person, I often say “I may have less eyesight than most, but I have more insight than many” Even with physical blindness, we can often ‘see’ the most obvious things that sighted people are most blind to We don’t need sight to have #vision

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

The Hearing-Aid User Patient in Hospital: Tips for HCPs: 1. Try avoid busy times to see patient on ward round. Background noise from other rounds in the bay can be off-putting, disorientating + confusing. Patients will miss out on important info, leaving them lost and uniformed

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Today I’m going down to have a more permanent line put in. Nervous that this’ll be the ‘thing’ I go home to live with. Yes, life WILL revolve around it. But, doctors can be patients too. Soon I’ll be one step closer to home, to independence and to living ‘normal’ life again 💪🏻

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Doctors can be Patients too A patient, I’ve been told to be in less pain + cope better with illness because I’m a medic. But since when was being a patient, HUMAN, unprofessional? Tubes, bags, lines, deafblind + wheels, but it won’t make me any less a 👩🏻‍⚕️

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

At bus stop with white cane, a child asks “so what CAN you see?” “I see beauty, kindness, sadness, struggle, love, friendship, emotions-things words can’t speak or show. I see light + colour too” Teach the next gen to have better #vision + #insight for our world #WhatDoYouSee

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

I rarely tweet these days - 1yr bedbound in hospital does that. But I recently got outside to enjoy some sun, and saw these pretty flowers in @StGeorgesTrust hospital garden I’m no plant expert or gardener (blind photographer could be a new one?) Does anyone know what these are?

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Today I‘m in charge of the Christmas playlist on my ward. Myself and the 3 other patients, all >80yo, are singing along to old festive classics and now I can’t wait til the day I work Christmas as a Doctor just so that I can cheer patients up like this all over again! #medtwitter

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

Thank you so much @tessa5news for having me on @5_News @channel5_tv today to share my story as a deafblind doctor in training, and how my experiences as a patient has helped me return insight and empathy to patients beyond hearing and sight loss #docswithdisabilities

@5_News

Channel 5 News

5 years

This woman was born deaf in both ears and is nearly completely blind but she has refused to let her disabilities get in the way of achieving her dreams as a doctor. Alexandra Adams is now in her fourth year of medical studies at Cardiff University. | @cardiffuni |

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

“You’re a young woman, you can WAIT” “The pain can’t be THAT bad. Are you sure you’re not just hormonal?” “Stop crying. Are you on your period?” Sexism in Medicine isn’t just in the workplace, it affects patients too

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The Young, Female Patient: Sexism, Treatment inequalities, and a Breakdown in Trust

Seated a few metres apart, the Doctor hunched over, head in his hands, before letting out another long and heavy sigh. Again, there was silence… “How did you even get here?” he asked me, in …

settingsights.co.uk

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Right. That’s it. I’m swapping medic for political cartoonist. #BorisJohnson #cummmings #COVID19

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Today is Helen Adams Keller’s birthday - #deafblind woman, writer, campaigner of disability rights, world peace + more A deafblind woman myself (also an Adams), who writes + hopes to rid disability stigma as a deafblind Doctor-to-be, wants us all to learn of #HelenKeller ’s story

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Recently had a few comments of “Oh your hair smells nice” and the “What shampoo do you use?” Only to discover today that, by mistake, I’ve been using our puppy’s shampoo. “That’s right. I use a deluxe brand of DOG shampoo”. Not sure if this is my biggest win, or fail, of today

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

I’m deafblind + once drove a car as part of an experience on an airstrip At 80mph, seeing nowt, the instructor said “Break!”. But being deaf I misheard this for “Great”, so continued going til reaching 100mph when they shouted “STOP!” I never saw any castle though #Cummings

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

A great day spent at ⁦ @BBCRadio2 ⁩ chatting with ⁦ @theJeremyVine ⁩ about my journey as the first deafblind person in the U.K. to be training towards becoming a doctor. Thanks for having me ⁦⁦ @theJeremyVine ⁩!⁦ @BBCSounds ⁩ ⁦🎙🎧

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Today, as a medical student whose been a patient in hospital for 5 months, I’ve never felt so monumentally let down by my own medical profession. Now I really don’t know if it’s made me more determined to qualify as a Doctor or to run away from Medicine altogether 😢 #MedTwitter

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

All I want(ed) for Christmas was a hospital discharge + be home in time to see family Santa delivered Home at last, own bed + I couldn’t be more grateful. Best Christmas present ever #AllIWantForChristmas #BestChristmasGift #HomeForTheHolidays #MerryXmasNHS #WhatImGratefulFor

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

In these #Covid_19 times, nobody is talking about what it REALLY means to be an 'ICU survivor' It's not all victory and triumph. It's trauma that lives on far longer than the virus itself I wrote a blog about my personal experiences of ICU to help others

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What it REALLY means to be an ‘ICU Survivor’

For the first time, a huge number of us, more than ever, are experiencing what it is like to be a patient on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Very ordinary people living very ordinary live…

settingsights.co.uk

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

2 years

Returning to med school after 2.5yrs due to illness was beyond daunting. Returning to the hospital I was in as a patient >1yr hit me even more. But right now? Utterly chuffed to be back, and what a lovely team to work with - I think renal could be a new ‘fave specialty’ @CV_UHB

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

100% this! I was forever told, throughout childhood/school life that I could never be a Doctor, because I have a white cane and hearing-aids. So what did I do? I bought myself textbooks, taught myself, applied to med school, and now I’m 1yr away from qualifying as an #NHS #Doctor

@Ecodreamspads

Eco Dreams

4 years

@alexandra_DBmed When people doubt your capability and say no! You can't do that job or go on that course. It's only no for that second. Not for an hour, not forever... Don't give up on what you want to do.

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

⭐️Putting a star by my Twitter name The upset, anger, emotion of discrimination put me in a blank sky for a moment, but we’re all still just stars that have people names, all shining bright, right? ⭐️ Supporting diversity, proud to be one of our #NHS 1.5 million stars @TEDxNHS

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

This was posted through my door today I said to one of my dr neighbours when chatting a few weeks ago that I‘m “just a medical student” I didn’t expect their kid to respond with this heartwarming message: “You’re not JUST a medical student”. My 💙. Thank you for making my day

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

To give you some background, I recently shared my personal account of having Covid, as both a patient and #NHS healthcare professional, on top of a 7 month hospital stay I’m still in. I shared it on my blog, which was shared by @WalesOnline (+ @DailyMirror WITHOUT MY PERMISSION)

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

3wks/7mnth+ in hospital I had Covid. I saw the sheer toll it‘s having on #NHS staff so wrote a blog (quoted in @WalesOnline ) The hate I’ve had today hurts, but I won’t stop speaking up. The tired voices of staff deserve to be heard. I care for my colleagues, Covid times or not 💙

@WalesOnline

WalesOnline 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

4 years

Gasping patients, crying nurses and alarms that won't stop going off — a patient in her 20s describes life on a Covid ward in Wales

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

I was discouraged from applying to Uni altogether. I was repeatedly told that disabled people don’t go to university + ‘people like me’ most certainly don’t go to med school. I ignored this ‘advice’ + did the opposite. Now I’m 2yrs away from becoming the UK’s 1st deafblind Doctor

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

I live in a world that wasn’t built for me; my views invalid, my worth less But, it wasn’t built for ANY of us. We just created systems, roads, boxes, to MAKE it ours So why can’t we create the same for people who just happen to navigate the world a bit differently? #IDPWD2021

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Current reality 3 weeks with a broken tube dislodged in my abdomen. 3 WEEKS. 3 weeks of not being believed by doctors. 3 weeks of a broken system that can’t keep up I’ve never wanted to have this surgery so quickly in my life The pain has broken me The NHS has broken me #NHS

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

On the 2nd-top floor of the hospital @CV_UHB , I + the other patients are lying in our beds, raised to their highest height, in complete darkness, staring out the window oooing + ahhing as we watch all the fireworks burst colour over Cardiff It’s the small joys 🎆 #GuyFawkesNight

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

Today marks 1 yr since life took a tumble. 3 wks intubated in #ICU , #sepsis + #delirium whilst in Italy. Family flew out, crossed the #Genoa bridge a few hrs before its collapse. It could’ve been so different. But today I’m filled with #gratitude + the reminder to love life 🙏🏻

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

I am 26 and a med student. I don’t play tennis or cycle 6 miles like this 70yo, but I do have a history of multiple ITU admissions due to a respiratory condition requiring ventilation. I will be #selfisolating . Yes, age IS just a number - because we’re ALL potentially vulnerable

@christianwolmar

Christian Wolmar

@christianwolmar

4 years

I am 70 and have just played 4 sets of tennis, cycled 6 miles and yesterday ran a tough Parkrun in under 29 minutes...I work full time and go to meetings most days. Is the govt seriously suggesting ppl like me sit at home for 4 months?

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

Britain's first blind and deaf medic opens up in inspiring interview via @MailOnline

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Britain's first blind and deaf medic opens up in inspiring interview

Alexandra Adams, 25, from Cardiff, is a fourth-year medical student, on track to become the first doctor in Britain who is registered both deaf and blind.

www.dailymail.co.uk

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

In 2018 I landed in #ICU + life support for 3wks with #sepsis + resp failure when in #Italy . I had hideous #delirium + still have flashbacks 1yr on. Today I went back to 1 of the ICUs I was in, to put the jigsaw back together + to thank the staff who cared for me #alive #thankful

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Today a friend asked if I worry about falling behind The truth? Yes. Yes I do. Instead of graduating as a Dr, I’m spending month 12 bedbound in hospital But life doesn’t just stop when our goals distance. These pit-stops in the journey just give us more time to learn + reflect

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

In these 7 months of hospital, I’ve cried+doubted over continuing Medicine due to the awful experiences I’ve had as a patient But on return to #MedTwitter seeing posts from passionate colleagues I’m determined to carry on, knowing the bad days are just great #lessons for future

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Excited to finally get this in the post! I’ve been passionate about #PalliativeCare since the early days of med school, and is the field I still truly want to specialise in. Getting back to casual reading, after so long off due to illness, has been a great motivator! #MedTwitter

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Today my entire weekend was made - How? Seeing the patient opposite me walk, chat and laugh with the nurses, and sit in her chair for tea, all for the first time since having #delirium this past fortnight I love it when other poorly patients around me get better and go home🥰

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

It’s nearly 1yr of being in hospital + I still have no date for home Today I reflected on my encounters as #patient + #Medstudent so wrote a blog post from the bed Even in a place so full of loss, there’s always more to life than just living #Medtwitter

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When Life is for Living

It’s only when we come face to face with mortality that we then realise, that at some point very soon, we all need to put our own lives into stark perspective… I was wheeling down one of the back c…

settingsights.co.uk

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

A little update. Mid-June, Round 2 came, whilst in the midst of dealing with everything else. Utterly grateful to all the incredible staff at @MTWnhs #ICU . Back at another start-line but I’m hopeful things can only get stronger and better from here 💪🏻

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Raising awareness of #RareDiseaseDay2021 today with my latest blog post, ‘Rare’, talking about my experiences of rare disease, #chronicillness , #disability and my recent life-changing diagnosis of #EhlersDanlosSyndrome and more 🦓🧬

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

TED talks empower, inspire, motivate others via learned lessons. I gave my #TEDtalk in hope we no longer discriminate, stereotype, judge others by looks, backgrounds, journeys. No matter what or who we are, we are ALL valued. But this saddens me - are we no closer to #equality ?

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

Coffee snob? Car snob? Nah, as a VI person with a white cane I’ve found an entirely new kind of snobbery I’ve become a ‘road surface snob’ - one who says “this is a fine piece of pavement to guide on” or “this road surface is of terrible quality” But seriously, potholes? Big No

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

Post @TEDxNHS I’ve learnt it’s in darkness that we see the stars at their brightest. To all fellow brave, powerful speakers - thank you for sharing your stories, struggles, triumphs, journeys through dark and light. You lifted the sky at @indigoatTheO2 and you ALL shone bright 💫

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Being deafblind I’m often asked if I’d rather have vision or hearing. I’ve always said hearing Hearing-aids in rice overnight but still not working, and there’s no guarantee of them being fixed soon, I’m 100% without sound I can categorically reaffirm I’d rather have hearing 🤦🏻‍♀️

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

2/2 I can no longer see Medicine as my career After 1yr in hospital + all the trauma, suffering + neglect to my own ill health, by those in the same field as I, I can’t ever return to a dream job that‘s only ever failed me as a patient It’s devastating, but it’s also my reality

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

5/ Soon to be the UK’s 1st deafblind Doctor, I may see patients who don’t want a “disabled doctor”. And I WILL get more bad career advice. But, we can always turn bad words into good actions So, my 1st encounter actually became the best ‘advice’ I’ve ever had THE END #MedTwitter

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

Opp lady on train. She asked what I’m doing in life: I’m training to be a Dr How can you be a deafblind surgeon? Surgery won’t be my chosen specialty She smiled, got a sewing kit out of her bag+said Well SOMEONE has to fix this country! And began teaching me how to sew #fixingit

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

Even in the most impossible times, the kindness of strangers can change the world. Huge thanks for all your support - I'm so, so grateful! Any money raised over the target I'll be using to help support local NHS staff through these challenging COVID times. Thank you all🙏

@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

1/3 I knew Medicine was going to be hard I knew Medicine as the UK’s 1st deafblind person was going to be harder But I never imagined being made homeless in the midst of a pandemic Disabled + shielding I now face cutting short medical school, as I can’t afford anywhere to live

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Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

2 years

Thank you @StephLunch for having me on @PackedLunchC4 today, to share my story on being the UK’s 1st deafblind medical student, busting misconceptions of disability in healthcare, and how not to give up even after the biggest setbacks, and to @Channel4 for being so accommodating!

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

5 years

To the guy who just drove into me on my way home from placement + carried on going forward when I was clearly against his bonnet Just a reminder that a white cane = blind/VI person, so don’t go shouting “Look where you’re going!” Also, get off your phone whilst driving #drivers

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

3 years

Communication at the bedside: Dr: Pt seen on WR, been told of/is aware of plan Pt: Deaf, w/o hearing-aids in, asleep. Totally unaware that dr even came. No clue of *plan This is NOT 2-way communication. HCPs - do not document👆🏻if pt hasn’t actually been involved #medtwitter

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@alexandra_DBmed

Alexandra Elaine Adams

@alexandra_DBmed

4 years

1yr ago today I was recording at @RealWorldStudio for my Wembley debut, signing my name in THE book next to @Harry_Styles @aliciakeys and others. Longing for the days where I‘m always on the go, speaking and inspiring real people in real places again, not stuck in a hospital bed

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